WILLIAMS ANNOUNCE 2018 DRIVER LINE-UP

Williams F1 announce their 2018 driver line-up – Photo: Supplied

Williams F1 has announced that Sergey Sirotkin will partner Lance Stroll in the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship.

The 22-year-old Russian impressed the team with his performance at the Abu Dhabi Pirelli tyre test where he drove the FW40 for the first time, and will make his Formula One race debut at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix.

Sirotkin finished Third in the GP2 Championship in both 2015 and 2016 before joining Renault’s Formula 1 program as a Test Driver in 2017.

“To say I’m happy and proud to join such a famous team like Williams is an understatement.” said Sirotkin.

“It took a huge amount of work to get where I am, and I’m really happy and thankful to everyone involved. The result of our combined efforts has helped me achieve my dream, and rest assured the team can rely on me to deliver my best.”

He will join Stroll who broke several records during his debut Formula One season, including his third-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix which saw him become the youngest ever rookie podium finisher, as well as the youngest front-row starter when he lined-up second on the grid for the Italian Grand Prix.

“First of all I would like to welcome Sergey to Williams and I am looking forward to having him as my teammate. I know Sergey and I am sure we will very quickly form a close working relationship.” said Stroll

“I really enjoyed my rookie season with the team, and there were a number of memorable highlights, on which I’ll look to build on in the coming season. I’m looking forward to Barcelona, and driving the new FW41 for the first time.”

Williams also announced that Robert Kubica would also join the team as its Reserve and Development Driver for the 2018 Formula One season.

“I’m extremely happy to be joining the Williams team as its official Reserve and Development Driver this season. I feel in the best physical shape that I have ever been, but it has taken a lot of work to get to where I am now, so I’d like to thank Williams for the opportunities they have given me so far, and for putting their faith in me with this appointment.” said Kubica at the announcement.

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